The Rational Optimist – is that an oxymoron?

If you believe author Matt Ridley, life is getting better. Not only that, but it’s getting better at an accelerating rate. There’s more food and cash – and less violence and disease. And we’re all living longer. Sure, the world isn’t perfect. But all those pessimists who dominate the public discourse, warning that all hell is about to break loose – blah blah blah – they’ve been saying that for 200 years. In his new book, The Rational Optimist: How Prosperity Evolves, Matt Ridley does more than cheer. He explains why we have more reason to hope, than despair about the future. Do you buy it? Are you an optimist or a pessimist?